Last week, Apple made changes to its App Store guidelines around game emulators and game streaming services, and emulators have started arriving on the platform.
As noted by 9to5Mac, the iGBA Game Boy emulator is now available through the App Store and will allow users to install and play ROMs on their iPhone or iPad.
“Additionally, retro game console emulator apps may offer game downloads” is what the amended guidelines said last week, and the developer of the iGBA (and other apps) is leaning towards it early.
9to5Mac notes that the app itself is a copy of GBA4iOS, a long-running open-source project that’s been around for years. However, it will run your Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance ROMs.
How does sideloading ROMs work?
While developers can they offer ROM downloads within their emulator apps, which can open up a whole bunch of cans when it comes to piracy and legality of ownership. As we reported last week, Apple said developers are “responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.”
However, as 9to5Mac reports, users can apparently download ROMs from the web and then flash them in the iGBA to start playing with a number of improvements like controller remapping, touch, save states, and AirPlay support.
Will this be enough to start digging for your Pokemon cartridges? I’m not entirely sure I’ve ever fully played most of them, so it’s tempting.